Ignition system for an internal combustion engine



y 7, 1968 G. A. DOTTO 3,382,407

IGNITION SYSTEM FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE Filed June 21, 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 N- xo I I 43 M 42 H I F1 6 INVENTOR 34 G/ANNI A. DOTTO FIG 2 Bf 5 ATTORNEY May 7, 1968 e. A. DOTTO 3,

IGNITION SYSTEM FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE Filed June 21, 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 SECONDARY 25000 T 43 ALL WIDINGS CLOCKWISE 3s I 34 PRIMARY A PRIMARY 8 240 T we T 22 G.W. l8 G.W.

POS. SPARK FIRES I 600 VOLTS PRIMARY (A) i I l 0 EL SPARK .5 MIL SECOND- 1 USYSTEM a F PRIMARY (B) SCR CLOSES 403 VOLTS NEG. SPARK FIRES POS. SPARK FIRES 300 VOLTS I CONVENTIONAL SYSTEM WITH NEG. GROUND INVENTOR FIG 4% GM N/AD T0 ATTORNEY y 7, 1968 G. A. DOTTO 3,382,407

IGNITION SYSTEM FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE Filed June 21, 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 G/A/VN/ 4. 00770 ATTORNE May 7, 1968 ca. A. DOTTO 3,382,407

IGNITION SYSTEM FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE Filed June 21, 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 & F7; 38l

INVENTOR GIANNI A. DOTTO ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,382,407 IGNITION SYSTEM FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE Gianni A. Dotto, 3005 Claar Ave, Dayton, Ohio 45429 Filed June 21, 1965, Ser. No. 465,390 17 Claims. (Cl. 315-209) The present invention relates to a firing system for internal combustion engines and has particular relevancy to means and methods for obtaining improved characteristics therefor as resulting from a novel semiconductor ignition device.

Semiconductor ignition systems are known and have found utility in use with internal combustion engines. Several of these presently available semiconductor ignition systems generate a high votlage pulse but also draw high current through the breaker points. With the advent of the use of high compression ratio internal combustion engines in automobiles and trucks, a more dependable and a higher voltage spark must be generated by the ignition system at the points of the spark plug in order to realize maximum torque output from the cooperatively associated internal combustion engine yet draw a low value of current through the breaker points.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a semiconductor ignition system cooperatively associated with an inernal combustion engine which permits more eflicient operation of the internal combustion engine than heretofore thought possible.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a semiconductor ignition system which is relatively simple and economical in construction, yet efiicient in operation.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a semiconductor ignition system which will operate any multi-cylinder internal combustion engine.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a semiconductor ignition system which produces sparks ofsubstantially constant energy value across a spark gap means.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a semiconductor ignition system which provides a high voltage spark in the cooperatively associated combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine during any speed or any load on the engine during the operation thereof.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a semiconductor ignition system which is simple, eflicient,

and effective.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a semiconductor ignition system cooperatively associated with an internal combustion engine wherein a negative spark and a positive spark is produced.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a semiconductor ignition system utilizing a double primary winding to provide a negative spark and a positive spark during a single cycle.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a semiconductor ignition system utilizing silicon controlled rectifiers as switching means in a system including an inductive coil that produces high energy values.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a semiconductor ignition system utilizing means and methods whereby more complete combustion of gases take place in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine.

The present invention in another of its aspects relates to novel features of the instrumentalities of the invention described therein for teaching the principal object of the invention and to the novel principles employed in the instrumentalities whether or not these features and principles may be used in the said object and/or in the said field.

With the aforementioned objects enumerated, other objects will be apparent to those persons possessing ordinary skill in the art. Other objects will appear in the following description, appended claims, and appended drawings. The invention resides in the novel construction, combination, arrangement, and cooperation of elements as hereinafter described and more particularly as defined in the appended claims.

The appended drawings illustrate embodiments of the present invention constructed to function in the most advantageous modes devised for the practical application of the basic principles involved in the hereinafter described. invention.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a cross section view of the double primary ignition coil utilized as part of the ignition system of the present invention.

FIGURE 2 is a How chart illustrating the flow of electrical current through the ignition coil of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is the electrical schematic of the ignition coil illustrated in FIGURE 1.

FIGURES 4A and 4B illustrate the double spark produced by said ignition coil of FIGURE 3.

FIGURE 4C shows the single spark generated by the conventional ignition coil.

FIGURE 5 is a transistorized ignition system utilizing the ignition coil of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 6 illustrates a means utilizing a rotary capacitor to replace the conventional breaker points illustrated in FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 7 shows a transistorized ignition system utilizing two silicon controlled rectifiers and the ignition coil of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 8 illustrates an embodiment of FIGURE 7 illustrating features not found in FIGURE 7.

FIGURE 9 shows a D.C. to D.C. ignition system utilizing controlled rectifiers in a bridge circuit.

FIGURE 10 shows an embodiment of FIGURES 9 illustrating an astable multivibrator use as a D.C. to AC. converter.

FIGURE 11 illustrates an embodiment of FIGURE 9 illustrating a rotary capacitor used to replace the conventional breaker points.

FIGURE 12 shows an embodiment of FIGURE 9 illustrating the use of a positive ground.

Generally speaking, the means and method of the present invention relate to an ignition system for an internal combustion engine.

The ignition system includes a source of direct current, an inductance means, an interrupter means, a capacitor means and a spark gap means. The inductance means includes a plurality of primary windings, is coupled to the source and is used for storing magnetic energy. The interrupter means is coupled between a first winding of said plurality of primary windings and ground. The interrupter means is for interrupting the current flow from the source through the first primary winding causing a first collapse of the magnetic energy of the inductance means. The capacitor means is coupled between the second primary winding and the ground of the source. The capacitor means is charged by the source when the first collapse of the magnetic energy occurs. The charging of the capacitor causes a second storage of magnetic energy in the inductance means. When the capacitor reaches a predetermined charge value, further fiow of current through the second primary winding is prevented thereby causing a second collapse of the magnetic energy of the inductance means. A spark gap means is coupled to the inductance means such that the first collapse of the magnetic energy produces a first spark across the spark gap means and the second collapse of the magnetic energy produces a second spark across the spark gap means of opposite polarity of the first spark.

The interrupter means may include a controlled rectifier, a transistor and a breaker point switch means. The controlled rectifier is coupled to the first primary winding. The transistor is coupled between the controlled rectifier and the breaker point switch means. Means for closing the switch means thereby biasing the transistor to conduction. Current from the source biases the controlled rectifier to conduction thereby allowing current to flow from the source through the first winding to ground. Means for opening the breaker point switch means is used to thereby bias the controlled rectifier to nonconduction so as to prevent current flow from the source through the first winding of the inductance means.

An embodiment of the present invention utilizes a plurality of silicon controlled rectifiers that are coupled to a source of direct current. A pulse transformer means includes a primary winding coupled to the source of direct current and a plurality of secondary windings. The gate of one of the controlled rectifier means is coupled to a first secondary winding of the plurality of secondary windings. The gate of a second of the controlled rectifiers is coupled to a second secondary winding. Current flow through the first secondary winding biases the controlled rectifier means coupled thereto to conduction. An ignition coil means is coupled across the plurality of controlled rectifier means for storing magnetic energy as said direct current flows through the one controlled rectifier means. A capacitor means is coupled between the ignition coil means and the source such that current flows through the coil means charging the capacitor means. An interrupter means is coupled to the pulse transformer for periodically interrupting the current flow therethrough. The interruption of the current flow through the pulse transformer biases the second controlled rectifier to conduction. The capacitor discharging through the second controlled rectifier means biasing the first controlled rectifier to non-conduction thereby preventing current flow to the ignition coil means. The magnetic energy of the coil means collapses when the current flow thereto is interrupted. A spark gap means is coupled to the coil means such that the collapsing magnetic energy produces a spark across the spark gap means.

Another embodiment of the present invention utilizes a bridge means having silicon controlled rectifiers in two legs thereof and diodes in the other two legs thereof. A first converter is coupled to a source of direct current such that the first converter means converts the direct current to an alternating current. A coupling means is used for coupling the first converter means to a second converter means. The second converter is used for converting the alternating current to a direct current and utilizes the aforementioned bridge means. An alternating current filter means is coupled to the second converter for filtering the direct current output of the second converter means. A means such as a breaker point switch or a rotary capacitor means is coupled to the controlled rectifier of the second converter means for periodically interrupting the direct current output of the second converter means. An inductance means is used for storing magnetic energy coupled to the second converter means. The magnetic energy of the inductance means collapses when the direct current output of the second converter is interrupted. A spark gap means is coupled to the inductance means such that the collapsing magnetic energy produces a spark across the spark gap means.

Referring now to the drawings, which illustrate the preferred embodiments of the present invention, a cross sectional view of a double primary ignition coil 35 is shown in FIGURE 1. FIGURE 2 shows the How of current through a first primary winding 34 and a second primary winding 36 of the ignition coil.

FIGURE 3 shows the inductance means or ignition coil used in a simplified ignition system. When the interrupter means or breaker point switch 21 is closed, a flow of current takes place through the first primary winding 34, through the breaker point switch to ground. When current is flowing from the direct current source or battery 45 through the first primary winding, a magnetic field is stored in the core of the coil in the opposite direction from the magnetic field stored in the core when the current is flowing from the battery through the second primary winding 36.

When the breaker point switch is opened, the circuit between the first primary coil 34 and ground is opened thereby causing the collapse of the magnetic field of the coil. A first spark as shown in FIGURE 4B is created across the spark gap 41 due to the collapse of the magnetic field. It is seen that capacitor 43 is charged by the battery due to the flow of current from the battery through the second primary winding 36. The polarity of the core is bound to reverse due to the action of the flow of current from the battery to the capacitor thereby assuring that no residual flux remains in the core. The second spark as shown in FIGURE 4A occurs when the capacitor is fully charged, it acts as an interrupter in the flow of current from the battery through the second primary winding thereby causing the magnetic field of the core to collapse.

It is seen that a magneto type effect is achieved with the ignition coil in that two sparks, one negative and one positive, occur. However, the magneto system has the sparks occurring in alternating cycles whereas coil 35 has the two sparks occurring every cycle.

Referring specifically to FIGURE 5, the semiconductor ignition circuit is generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The semiconductor ignition circuit comprises an interrupter means such as a breaker point switch means 21 that has one end thereof coupled to ground. The other end of the breaker point switch is coupled to base 22 of PNP transistor 23. A Zener diode 24 having its anode coupled to ground has its cathode coupled to emitter 25 of transistor 23. A capacitor 26 is shown as being connected from the emitter of the transistor to ground. The parallel combination of the capacitor and the Zener diode provide a means and method whereby energy may flow to a silicon controlled rectifier 31. The parallel connected combination also provides a bias voltage to the emitter of the transistor. The collector 27 of the transistor is coupled to ground.

A fast acting transistor cut-off circuit 28 is comprised of an inductance 29 and a diode 30 coupled in parallel. The fast acting transistor cut-off circuit is coupled between the emitter and the base of the transistor such that the anode of the diode is coupled to the base and the cathode of the diode is coupled to the emitter. The fast acting transistor cut-off circuit is utilized to prevent the voltage on the silicon controlled rectifier and the voltage on the transistor from exceeding a predetermined magnitude thereby protecting these semiconductor elements from excessive voltages.

The emitter of the transistor is coupled to the cathode 32 of the silicon controlled rectifier. The anode 33 of the controlled rectifier is coupled to a first primary winding 34 of inductance means or ignition coil 35. It will be noted that the ignition coil has two primary windings, that is the first primary winding 34 and a second primary winding 36. The ignition coil includes a secondary winding 37 that is wound on a core common to both primary windings. A ballast resistor 38 is connected to the common junction 39 of the two primary windings. Also coupled to the common junction 39 of the two primary windings is a capacitor 40. The other end of the capacitor 40 is coupled to ground.

Coupled in series with the secondary winding 37 of the ignition coil is any suitable distributor mechanism (not shown) which is coupled in series with a spark plug or spark gap means 41 which is coupled in series to ground.

The common junction 42 of the secondary winding and the second primary winding is connected to a capacitor 43. The capacitor is coupled in series to ground. Common junction 39 of the two primary windings of the ignition coil is coupled through ballast resistor 38 and through switch means 44 to the positive side of a direct current voltage source 45. The negative side of the direct current voltage source is coupled to ground. A resistor 46 has one end thereof coupled between ballast resistor 38 and switch means 44. The other end of resistor 46 is coupled to the anode of diode 47. The cathode of diode 47 is connected to the gate 48 of the silicon controlled rectifier. The diode may be of any suitable type having the electrical characteristic of a high resistance until a given voltage is applied across the diode at which time the diode has a comparatively low forward resistance as the given values of voltage is applied thereacross.

Having thus described the structure of FIGURE 5, the cooperation between the described structural elements will be disclosed.

Upon activation of the switch means 44 and the breaker point switch to a closed position, it is seen that the base and the collector of the transistor are coupled to ground thereby shorting out the resistance of the transistor. A sufficient voltage is applied across diode 47 so as to cause the resistance of said diode to decrease so that a magnitude of current flows through the gate of the silicon controlled rectifier sufiicient to cause the controlled rectifier to become conductive. In addition the transistor as sumes a conductive state. It is seen that current flows through the following conductive path or through the first primary winding 34, through the silicon controlled rectifier, through the transistor to the negative side of the battery by means of a common ground connection.

As disclosed hereinbefore, the ignition coil is comprised of two primary windings such that when current is flowing from the battery through the first primary winding 34, a magnetic field is developed in the core of the coil in the opposite direction from the magnetic field developed in the core when the current is flowing from the battery through the second primary winding 36. At the same time by the action between the first primary winding and the secondary winding 37, the secondary primary winding of the transformer and the silicon controlled rectifier, the capacitor is charged to a voltage of about four (4) times the voltage of the source. The capacitor is so charged because of the ratio between the number of turns on the first primary winding and the number of turns on the second primary winding is about two and one-half to one (2% to 1) and because of the holding action of the silicon controlled rectifier which acts as a diode.

When the breaker point switch is opened, the transistor immediately assumes its nonconductive state due to the cessation of current flow therethrough and due to the action of the fast acting cut-oif circuit. The diode 30 has a breakdown characteristic at a predetermined voltage that is less than rated value of voltage that may be carried by the transistor thereby protecting the transistor from high surge voltages developed by the collapse of the magnetic field of core. When the transistor assumes its nonconduc tive state, there is an almost instantaneous decrease in the flow of current through the controlled rectifier, and there is an almost instantaneous collapse of substantially all of the magnetic field of the core.

Also upon the closing of the breaker point switch, the capacitor 43 discharges through the Zener diode 24 thereby placing a reverse current across the controlled rectifier which causes the controlled rectifier to assume its nonconductive state. The controlled rectifier in its nonconductive state opens the circuit between the first primary winding 34 and the transistor. At this time, a first spark occurs across the spark gap 41 due to the collapse of the magnetic field of the ignition coil as shown in FIGURE 4B.

When the controlled rectifier assumes its nonconductive state the current across the first primary winding drops to zero and the current flow is across the second primary winding to the capacitor 43. The flow of current takes place even if the turns ratio between the first primary winding and the secondary winding of the ignition coil is 250 to 1. As a result thereof, the capacitor 43 is charged to its maximum voltage, causing an interruption in the flow of current across the second primary winding thereby causing a collapse of the magnetic field in the ignition coil. The collapse of the magnetic field of the ignition coil develops a high voltage across the second primary winding 36, which induces a high voltage across the secondary winding 37 of the ignition coil thereby initiating a positive or second spark across the spark gap means 41 as shown in FIGURE 4B.

FIGURE 6 illustrates an electronic adaptor circuit 49 that is designed to replace the conventional breaker point switch 21. Included in the electronic adaptor circuit is a terminal 50 and a resistance 51. Resistance 51 is coupled in series with one side of rotary capacitor 53. The other side of the rotary capacitor is connected to ground. Connected between the resistance 51 and the rotary capacitor is the anode of diode 54. The cathode of diode 54 is connected to the gate 55 of the silicon controlled rectifier 56. The cathode of the diode is also connected to a resistance 57. The resistance is coupled to terminal 58 of the electronic adaptor circuit. A resistance 52 is connected between the terminal 50 and the anode 60 of the silicon controlled rectifier. The cathode 61 of the controlled rectifier is connected to terminal 58 of the adaptor circuit. A capacitor 59 has one side thereof coupled between the anode 6 0 of the controlled rectifier and the other side thereof coupled to ground.

Having thus described the structure of the invention illustrated in FIGURE 6, the cooperation between the described structural elements will be declosed.

Terminal 50 is electrically coupled to the dotted line When the switch means 44 is closed, the cooperatively associated circuitry of FIGURE 5 is in a normally conducting state. Capacitor 59 is charged to the potential of voltage source 45 through the resistance 51. The rotary capacitor includes a plurality of rotary blades interleaved with a plurality of stator blades such that as the rotor blades are rotationally displaced, the capacitance of the rotary capacitor varies. When the rotary capacitor reaches its maximum capacitance, a sufiicient amount of energy is stored therein from the voltage source through the resistance 51 to bias the silicon controlled rectifier to conduction. Thecapacitor 59 then discharges through the controlled rectifier and causes the polarity of the transistor to reverse thereby efiectively shutting-01f the transistor so as to interrupt the conduction of current by the circuitry shown in FIGURE 5. The length of time that the circuit of FIGURE 5 is interrupted is determined by the value of the capacitance of capacitor 59 and the value of the resistance of resistor 62.

FIGURE 7 shows another embodiment of the present invention wherein silicon controlled rectifiers are utilized. A direct current voltage source or battery 220 has its negative side coupled to ground and its positive side connected through switch means 221 to a resistor 222. The other side of the resistor 222 is coupled through capacitor 223 to the anode of the silicon controlled rectifier 224. The gate of the silicon controlled rectifier is coupled to the cathode of diode 225. Connected across the diode 225 7 is a second secondary winding 226 of transformer 227. The anode of the diode 225 is coupled to the cathode of the silicon controlled rectifier 224.

The cathode of the silicon controlled rectifier 224 is connected to the cathode of the silicon controlled rectifier 228. Coupledto the cathode of the controlled rectifier v tion between resistor 222 and capacitor 223.

The anode of controlled rectifier 224 is connected to the cathode of diode 233. The anode of diode 233 is connected to the common junction 236 between the primary winding 234 and secondary winding 235 of ignition coil 237. The primary, winding of the ignition coil has a predeterminately located tap 238 that is coupled to the cathode of controlled rectifier 228. The diode 233 is connected to ground through the primary winding of the ignition coil. The secondary of the winding of the ignition coil is connected in series with spark gap means 239 to ground.

Having thus described the structure of FIGURE 7, the cooperation between the described structural elements will be disclosed.

Upon the closing of ignition switch 221 and the closing of breaker point switch 240, current flows from the battery 220 to ground through resistor 222, resistor 232, primary winding 231 and the breaker point switch 240.

Because of the flow of current in the primary winding 231, a magnetic field is created in the core of the transformer. 227. A current flow is created in the first secondary winding 230 due to the magnetic field in the core. The current flow in the first primary flows to the gate of controlled rectifier 228. The current flow to the gate is sufiicient to bias the controlled rectifier 228 to conduction.

With the controlled rectifier 228 assuming a conductive state, it is seen that current flows from the battery through resistor 222, through the controlled rectifier 228 to tap 238 of ignition coil 237. The current then flows through the tap and a portion of the primary winding 234 to ground. The voltage appearing between the tap and ground is equal to the voltage of the battery. A magnetic field is stored in the core of the transformer that causes a voltage to flow from the primary winding through diode 233 to capacitor 223, thereby charging the capacitor. The current fiow to capacitor 223 has a magnitude of about two and one-half times (2 /2) greater than the magnitude of the current flow from the battery because of the turns ratio that exists on the primary winding between center tap 238 and ground and tap 238 and common junction 236. The charge is retained by caapcitor 223 until such time as silicon controlled rectifier 224 is biased to conduction.

Upon the opening of breaker point switch 240, the magnetic field of the core of transformer 227 collapses thereby causing a reverse current flow of such polarity through the secondary secondary Winding 226 to the gate of the controlled rectifier that the silicon controlled rectifier 224 is biased to conduction. When the controlled rectifier 224 is biased to conduction, the capacitor 223 discharges there through. It is seen that the current flow is from the capacitor through the controlled rectifier to the cathode of the controlled rectifier 228. The current flow to the cathode of the controlled rectifiers is of such magnitude that the controlled rectifier 228 is biased to non-conduction thereby preventing current flow therethrough to the primary winding of the ignition coil 23 7.

The stoppage of current flow from the battery to the ignition coil causes a collapse of the magnetic field of the ignition coil causing a spark to appear across the spark gap 239.

The diode 229 coupled across the first secondary winding 230 and diode 225 coupled across the secondary winding 226 provide a clamping action that prevents surge voltages developed by the collapse of the magnetic field of transformer 227 from damaging the controlled rectifiers 224 and 228.

FIGURE 8 shows an embodiment of the semiconductor ignition system illustrated in FIGURE 7. A direct current voltage source or battery 250 has its negative side coupled to ground and its positive side coupled to a three-position ignition switch 251. The ignition switch includes three positions whih are neutral, engaged with contact 252, or engaged with contact 253. The battery may be directly connected to the primary winding 254 of ignition c-oil 255 through contact 253 or coupled to the primary winding 254 through a resistor 256. The reason for the threeposition switch will be disclosed hereinafter.

The primary winding 254 of the ignition coil includes a tap 257 that is connected to one side of primary winding 258 of transformer 259 through resistor 260. The other side of the primary winding 258 is connected to ground through breaker point switch 261.

A first secondary winding 262 has one side thereof coupled to the gate of silicon controlled rectifier 263 and the other side of the first secondary winding is connected to the cathode of controlled rectifier 263. The cathode of diode 264 is connected to the gate of the controlled rectifier whereas the anode of the diode is coupled to the cathode of the controlled rectifier 263. The cathode of controlled rectifier 263 is connected to ground through an inductance element 265 and in addition the cathode of the controlled rectifier 263 is coupled to the cathode of a silicon controlled rectifier 266.

The gate of the controlled rectifier 266 is connected to one side of the second secondary winding 267 of the transformer 259. The other side of the second secondary winding is coupled to the cathode of the controlled rectifier 266. Connected across the second secondary winding 267 is diode 268 such that the cathode of the diode is coupled to the gate of the controlled rectifier 266 and so that the anode of the diode is connected to the cathode of the controlled rectifier 266.

The anode of the controlled rectifier 266 is coupled to ground through capacitor 269. Also the anode of the controlled rectifier 266 is connected to the cathode of diode 270. The anode of the diode 270 is connected to the common junction 271 that is utilized to couple the primary winding 254 to the secondary winding 272 of the ignition coil. The common junction 271 is coupled to ground through capacitor 274.

The secondary winding of the ignition coil 272 is connected in series with spark gap means 273. The spark gap means is coupled in series with ground.

Having thus described the structure of FIGURE 8, the cooperation between the described structural elements will be disclosed.

Upon the closing of ignition switch 251 and the closing of breaker point switch 261, current flows from the battery 250 to ground through ballast resistor 256, through a portion of primary winding 254, through tap 257 through resistor 260, through the primary winding 258 of transformer 259, to ground through the breaker point switch 261. As a result of this current flow, a magnetic field is stored in the core of the transformer 255. Due to the transformer action of transformer 255, the current flow to the capacitor 269 through the diode 270 is about 4 /2 times the current flow from the battery.

As the ignition switch is rotated from engagement with contact 252 to engagement with contact 253, the flow of current from the battery 25 is momentarily interrupted thereby causing a collapse of magnetic field in the core of transformer 255. The collapse of the magnetic field of v the transformer causes a spark across the spark gap 273 and causes the capacitor 269 to charge to a voltage thought to be about fifteen times the magnitude of the voltage of battery 250 due to the parameters of the circuit.

It is seen that a ignition switch 251 engages contact 253, capacitor 269 is charged to a predetermined value of voltage that is significantly higher than the magnitude of voltage of the battery 250. Assuming that the breaker point switch 261 is closed, current flows from the battery 250 to ground through a portion of the primary winding 254 of transformer 255, through resistor 260, through the primary winding 258 of transformer 259 to ground through the breaker point switch 261. The magnetic field produced in the core of the transformer 259 due to the flow of current therethrough creates a flow of sufficient magnitude in the first secondary winding 262 to bias the controlled rectified 263 to conduction.

With the controlled rectifier 263 biased to a conducting state, current flows from the battery to inductance element 265 through the controlled rectifier 263. Upon the opening of the breaker point switch 261, the magnetic field of the core of transformer 259 collapses thereby causing a reverse current flow of such polarity through the second secondary winding 267 of transformer 259 to the gate of the controlled rectifier 266 such that said controlled rectifier is biased to a conductive state. When the controlled rectifier is biased to conduction, the capacitor 269 discharges through the controlled rectifier 266. It is seen that the current flow is from the capacitor through the controlled rectifier 266 to the cathode of controlled rectifier 263 and to the inductance element 265. The current flow to the cathode rectifier 263 is of such magnitude that the controlled rectifier 263 is biased to non-conduction thereby preventing current fiow therethrough from the battery-250. In addition due to the action of inductance element 265, the discharge current of the capacitor is bounded back to the cathode of the controlled rectifier 266 thereby biasing the controlled rectifier 266 to non-conduction.

The almost simultaneous occurrence of the opening of the breaker point switch and returning of the controlled rectifiers to a non-conducting state causes the magnetic field of the core of the ignition 255 to collapse thereby causing a spark to appear across the spark gap 273 and to charge capacitor 269 to the maximum voltage generated by the collapse of the magnetic field of the ignition coil.

The diode 264 coupled across the first secondary winding 262 and the diode 268 coupled across the second secondary winding 226 provide a clamping action that substantially prevents surge voltages developed by the collapse of the magnetic field of transformer 259 from damaging the controlled rectifiers 263 and 266.

FIGURE 9 shows yet another embodiment of the present invention wherein silicon controlled rectifiers are used in a bridge means of an ignition system. A direct current voltage source such as a battery 120 has the negative side'thereof coupled to ground. The positive side of the battery is connected to a switch means 121. The other side of the switch means is connected to a resistance 122. Connected in series with the resistance is the emitter 123 of PNP transistor 124. The collector 125 of the transistor is connected in series with a first inductance element 126 of transformer 127. The inductance element 126 connects the collector to ground. The base of the transistor is connected to resistor 128. Connected in series with the resistor 128 is a second inductance element 129 of the transformer 127. The second inductance element 129 is connected in series with resistance 122. The resistor 122, the transistor 124, the resistance 129 and the transformer 127 cooperate to act as a direct current to alternating current conversion.

The secondary 130 of the transformer has connected thereacross a capacitor 131. The capacitor 131 is a coupling means. Coupled across the capacitor 131 is a bridge means 132 comprised of diode 133 in a first leg, silicon controlled rectifier 134 in a second leg, diode 135 in the third leg, and silicon controlled rectifier 136 in a fourth leg. It will be noted that the cathode of diode 133 is connected to the anode of silicon controlled rectifier 134. The common junction between the controlled rectifier 134 and the diode 133 is connected to one side of capacitor 131. The cathode of the diode 135 is connected to the anode of the silicon controlled rectifier 136. The common junction between the diode 135 and the silicon controlled rectifier is to the other side of capacitor 131. The anodes of both the diode 133 and the diode 135 are connected in series. The cathodes of 'both the silicon controlled rectifiers are connected in series. The common junction between the series connected diodes 133 and 135 is coupled to one side of capacitor 137. The common junction between the series connected silicon controlled rectifiers is connected to the other side of the capacitor 137. The gate of the silicon controlled rectifier 134 is connected to the cathode of diode 138 and to a resistor 139. The gate of the silicon controlled rectifier 134 is to the emitter of the transistor through resistor 139. The anode of diode 138 is connected to the common junction between the cathodes of silicon controlled rectifier 134 and silicon controlled rectifier 136.

The anode of diode 140 is connected to the common junction between the cathodes of the silicon controlled rectifier 134 and the silicon controlled rectifier 136. The cathode of the diode 140 is connected to the gate of the silicon controlled rectifier 136.

The respective gates of the silicon controlled rectifiers are coupled together. Connected to the gates of the controlled rectifiers is one side of capacitor 141. The other side of the capacitor 141 is connected to ground through an interrupter means such as breaker point switch 142. The bridge means 132, the resistor 139, the diodes 138 and 140 and the capacitor 141 cooperate to act as an alternating current to direct current converter.

Capacitor 137 is connected across the primary Winding 143 of ignition coil 145. The capacitor 137 serves as an alternating current filter means for the direct current output of the direct current converter. The primary winding is coupled to the seconday winding 144 by means of a common junction 146, Coupled in series with the common junction 146 is a capacitor 147. The other side of the capacitor 147 is connected to ground. The secondary winding of the coil is connected to ground through a spark gap 148.

Having thus described the structure of FIGURE 9, the

cooperation between the described structural elements will be disclosed.

Upon activation of the switch means 121 to a closed position, current flows from the battery 120 through the resistor 122 to the emitter 123 of the transistor 124 and also current flows from the battery through the inductance feedback element 129, through the resistor 128 to the base 127 of transistor 124. The flow of current through the feedback 129 biases the transistor to conduction. Current is thereafter allowed to flow through the transistor to the primary winding 126. A magnetic field is stored in the core of the transformer, thereby developing a high value of voltage across the secondary winding of the transformer.

Upon closing of the breaker point switch 142, a current flows from the battery 120 to capacitor 141 through resistor 122 and resistor 139 to thereby charge the capacitor to a predetermined voltage. Upon reaching the predetermined voltage, the capacitor biases controlled rectifier 134 and controlled rectifier 136 to conduction so that bridge circuit 132 rectifies the oscillating pulse that is fed thereinto. Upon the opening of the breaker point switch, the capacitor ceases to discharge through the silicon controlled rectifier 134 and the silicon controlled rectifier 136 thereby biasing the aforementioned controlled rectifiers to a non-conducting state. The pulsating wave fed into the bridge circuit is not rectified by the bridge circuit because the silicon controlled rectifiers used in two legs ofthe bridge are biased to the non-conducting state.

The pulsating wave fed to the bridge circuit is due to the intermittent biasing to conduction the base of transistor 124 by the interaction between feedback element 129, the flow of current from the battery and the collapsing of the magnetic field of the coil thereby intermittently allowing current to fiow through the transistor to the primary winding of the transformer 127. The magnetic field in the core produced by the current flowing in the primary winding causes a magnetic field to be developed in the core to thereby cause a voltage to flow in the secondary of the transformer.

The flow of current in the secondary due to the flow of current in the primary causes the polarity of the feedback inductance element to reverse in polarity thereby interrupting current flow from the battery through the feedback inductance element. In so doing, the current flow from the battery to the transistor is interrupted thereby biasing the transistor to the non-conducting state. The flow of current from the battery to the primary winding is interrupted thereby causing the magnetic field of the transformer to collapse. Upon the collapse of the magnetic field of the transformer, the polarity of the feedback inductance is reversed thereby permitting current to flow through the feedback inductance so as to bias the transistor to conduction. The intermittent interruption of the conduction of the transistor causes the magnetic field of the transformer to intermittently collapse thereby alternately charging the capacitor 131. The capacitor 131, as a result thereof, intermittently discharges through the bridge means, if the silicon controlled rectifiers are biased to conduction or through the secondary winding of transformer 127 of the silicon controlled rectifiers are biased to non-conduction. If the controlled rectifiers are biased to non-conduction, the parallel combination of capacitor 131 and the secondary winding of transformer 127 act as a tank circuit.

Assuming that the silicon controlled rectifiers are biased to conduction, the bridge circuit rectifies the pulsating wave so as to produce adirect current output that is impressed across the primary winding 143 of the ignition coil. The capacitor 137 acts as a filter to remove pulsating waves or hash that may be carried on the resulting direct current wave.

The direct current wave impressed across the primary winding 143 of the ignitioncoil and flowing therethrough causes a magnetic field to be stored in the core of the ignition coil. Upon the opening of the breaker point switch 142, the controlled rectifiers are biased to the nonconductive state thereby preventing current flow through the bridge circuit and thereby terminating the flow of direct current to the primary winding of the ignition coil. There is a sudden collapse of substantially all the magnetic field of the core of the ignition coil 145. The sudden collapse of the magnetic field in the ignition coil creates a high voltage across the primary winding 143, which induces a high voltage across the secondary winding 144 of the ignition coil 145, causing a spark across the spark gap means 148.

An oscillatory current exists between the primary winding 143and the capacitor 147 for a short period after the controlled rectifiers become non-conductive.

Due to the fact that the controlled rectifiers become non-conductive almost immediately after the breaker point switch opens, the transistor 124 is protected from the high voltage which occurs in the primary Winding of the ignition coil as the magnetic field collapses and during the voltage oscillations which follow.

Diode 138 and diode 140 are used to clamp the gates of the respective silicon controlled rectifiers from the reverse voltage developed by the ignition coil as the magnetic field of the coil collapses.

The semiconductor ignition circuitry of FIGURES 10 to 12 are embodiments of the semiconductor ignition circuitry shown in FIGURE 9.

With specific reference to FIGURE 10, it is seen that direct current voltage source or battery 150 has its negative side coupled to ground. The positive side of the battery is connected to a resistor 151 through an ignition switch means 152. The other side of the resistor 151 is connected to tap 153 of the primary winding 154 of transformer 155.

Tap 156'on the primary winding of transformer is coupled to the emitter of PNP transistor 157. The base of the transistor 157 is connected to one side of the primary winding of transformer 155 through resistor 158 and also the base of the transistor 157 is coupled to the collector of said transistor through resistor 159. The emitter of the transistor 157 is also coupled to ground.

A tap 160 on the primary winding of transformer 155 is coupled to the emitter of PNP transistor 161. The base of transistor 161 is connected to the other side of the primary winding of transformer 155 through resistor 162. The collector of transistor 161 is coupled to the collector of transistor 157, The base of transistor 161 is connected to the collector of said transistor through resistor 163.

The secondary winding 164 of the transformer 155 has coupled thereacr-oss capacitor 165. The secondary winding 164 is also connected across a bridge means 166 comprising diodes in two of the legs of the bridge and silicon controlled rectifiers in two other legs of the bridge means. One side of the secondary winding is connected to a common junction 167 between diode 168 and silicon controlled rectifier 169. It will be noted that the cathode of diode 168 is connected to the anode of the silicon controlled rectifier through the common junction 167. The other side of the secondary winding 164 is connected to the bridge means through common junction 170. The cathode of diode 171 is coupled to the anode of silicon controlled rectifier 172. The anode of diode 171 is coupled to the anode of diode 168 through common junction 173 and the cathode of controlled rectifier 172 is connected to the cathode of controlled rectifier 169 through the common junction 174.

The gate of silicon controlled rectifier 169 is connected to the cathode of diode 181. The anode of diode 181 is coupled to the anode of diode 182. The cathode of diode 182 is coupled to the gate of silicon controlled rectifier 172. The anode of diode 181 and the anode of diode 182 is connected to the ignition switch 152 through breaker point switch 184, resistor 183, and resistor 151.

Common junction 173 is connected to one side of the primary winding 175 of ignition coil 176. The other side of the primary winding of the ignition coil is coupled to the common junction 174 of the bridge means. Also connected to the common junction 174 of the bridge means is one side of capacitor 177. The other side of capacitor 177 is coupled to ground. The secondary winding 178 of the ignition coil has one side thereof coupled to the side of the primary win-ding of the ignition coil that is connected to the common junction 173 of the bridge means. The primary winding and the secondary winding are coupled to ground through capacitor 179. The other side of the secondary winding 178 is coupled to ground through the spark gap means 180.

Having thus described the structure of FIGURE 10,

' the cooperation between the described structural elements will be disclosed.

13 ignition switch 322 and resistor 323. The collecter of transistor 321 is connected to ground through primary winding 324 of transformer 325. The base of transistor 321 is connected to the emitter of said transistor through resistance 326 and inductance feedback element 327 of transformer 324.

The secondary winding 328 of the transformer 324 has coupled thereacross a rotary capacitor 329. One side of the secondary winding of the transformer 324 is connected to a junction 330 of bridge means 331. The other side of the secondary winding of transformer 324 is coupled to junction 332.

The bridge means 331 has coupled to junction 330 the cathode of diode 333 and the anode of silicon controlled rectifier 334. The anode of diode 333 is coupled to junction 335 whereas the cathode of controlled rectifier 334 is coupled to junction 336 of the bridge means. The anode of diode 337 is coupled to the anode of diode 333 through junction 335. The cathode of diode 337 is coupled to the anode of silicon controlled rectifier 338 through junction 332. The cathode of controlled rectifier 338 is coupled to the cathode of controlled rectifier 334 through junction 336. The gate of controlled rectifier 338 is connected to junction 332 through the cathode of diode 339 and resistor 340.The gate of controlled rectifier 334 is connected to the cathode of diode 341 and resistor 342 to junction 330.

The junction 336 of the bridge means is coupled to one side of the primary winding 343 of ignition coil 344. The other side of the primary winding 343 is connected to junction 335 of the bridge means. Also junction 336 of the bridge means is coupled to ground through capacitor 345. A secondary winding 346 has one side thereof coupled to the primary winding 343 through junction 347. Junction 347 of the ignition coil 344 is coupled to ground through capacitor 348. The other side of the secondary winding of the ignition coil is connected through a spark gap means 349 to ground.

Having thus described the structure of FIGURE 11, the coperation between the described structural elements will be disclosed.

The operation of the circuitry shown in FIGURE 11 is substantially the same as the operation of the circuitry illustrated in FIGURE 9 except that the breaker. point switch 142 and the capacitor 131 have had substituted therefor rotary capacitor 329.

With reference to FIGURE 12, it is seen that the positive side of the battery 354 is connected to ground. The negative side of the battery is coupled to the collector of PNP transistor 355 through ignition switch 356, resistor 357 and inductance feedback element 358 of transformer 359 The base of the transistor 355 is coupled to emitter of transistor'355 through resistor 360 and primary winding 361 of the transformer 359. Also the emitter of the transistor 355 is coupled to ground.

The secondary winding 362 of the transformer 359 has coupled thereacross capacitor 363. One side of the secondary winding 362 is connected to junction 364 of bridge means 365. The other side of the secondary winding 362 is connected to junction 365 of the bridge means.

The bridge means has coupled to the junction 364 the cathode of diode 367. The cathode of diode 367 is coupled to the anode of silicon controlled rectifier 368 through junction 364. The cathode of controlled rectifier 368 is coupled to the cathode of controlled rectifier 369 through junction 370. The anode of the controlled rectifier 369 is coupled to the cathode of diode 371 through junction 366. The anode of diode 371 is coupled to the anode of diode 367 through junction 372.

The gate of the controlled rectifier 368 is coupled to ground through the cathode of diode373, resistor 374 and breaker point switch 375. The gate of the controlled rectifier 369 is connected to ground through cathode of diode 376, resistor 374, and breaker point switch 375.

Junction 370 of the bridge means is connected to one end of the primary winding 377 of ignition coil 378. The other end of the primary winding of the ignition coil is connected to junction 372 of the bridge'means. Connected across the primary winding of the ignition coil is capacitor 379. A common junction 380 is used to join one side of the primary winding 377 to the secondary winding 381 of the ignition coil. The junction 380 is connected to spark gap means 382 through the secondary wind-ing. The other side of the spark gap means is connected to ground.

Having thus described the structure of FIGURE 12, the cooperation between the described structural elements will be disclosed.

The operation of the circuitry shown in FIGURE 12 is substantially the same as the operation of the circuitry shown in FIGURE 9 except that the circuitry in FIG- URE 12 has a positive ground whereas the circuitry of FIGURE 9 has a negative ground.

While the invention is illustrated and described in its preferred embodiments, it will be understood that mod-ifications and variations may be effected without departing from the scope of the novel concepts of this invention and as set forth in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. An ignition system for an internal combustion engine comprising: a source of direct current; a first converter means coupled to said direct current source, said converter means for converting said direct current to an alternating current; a coupling means for coupling said converter means to a second converter means, said second converter means for converting said alternating current to a direct current; an alternating current filter means coupled to said second converter for filtering said direct current output of said second converter means; means coupled to said second converter means for periodically interrupting said direct current output of said second converter means; an inductance means for storing magnetic energy coupled to said second converter means, said magnetic energy of said inductance means collapsing when said direct current output of said second converter is interrupted; and a spark gap means coupled to said inductance means, said collapsing magnetic energy producing a spark across said spark gap means for producing improved firing of fuel within said internal combustion engine.

2. An ignition system for an internal combustion engine comprising: a source of direct current; a first converter means including an asta-ble multivibrator means, said converter means coupled to said direct current source, said converter means for converting said direct current to an alternating current; a coupling means for coupling said converter means to a second converter means, said second converter means for converting said alternating current to a direct current, said converter means including a bridge means having controlled rectifier means in two legs thereof and diodes in the other two legs thereof; an alternating current filter means coupled to said second converter for filtering said direct current output of said second converter means; breaker point means coupled to said second converter means for periodically interrupting said direct current output of said bridge means of said second converter means; an inductance means for storing magnetic energy coupled to said second converter means, said magnetic energy of said inductance means collapsing when said direct current output of said second converter is interrupted; and a'spark gap means coupled to said inductance means, said collapsing magnetic energy producing a spark across said spark gap means for producing improved firing of fuel within said internal combustion engine.

3. An ignition system for an internal combustion engine comprising: a source of direct current; a first converter means including an astable multivibrator means, said converter means coupled to said direct current source, said converter means for converting said direct current to an alternating current; a coupling means for coupling said converter means to a second converter means, said second converter means for converting said alternating current to a direct current, said converter means including a bridge means having silicon controlled rectifier means in two legs thereof and diodes in the other two legs thereof; an alternating current filter means coupled to said second converter for filtering said direct current output of said second converter means; rotary capacitor means coupled to said silicon controlled rectifier means of second converter means for periodically biasing said silicon controlled rectifiers to non-conduction thereby periodically interrupting said direct current output of said second converter means; an inductance means for storing magnetic energy coupled to said second converter means, said magnetic energy of said inductance means collapsing when said direct current output of said second converter is interrupted; and a spark gap means coupled to said inductance means, said collapsing magnetic energy producing a spark across said spark gap means for producing improved firing of fuel within said internal combustion engine.

'4. An ignition system for an internal combustion engine comprising: a source of direct current; a first converter means including a. transistor switch means, said converter means coupled to said direct currentsource,

said converter means for converting said direct current to an alternating current; a coupling means for coupling said converter means to a second converter means, said second converter means for converting said alternating current to a direct current, said converter means including a bridge means having controlled rectifier means in two legs thereof and diodes in the other two legs thereof; an alternating current filter means coupled to said second converter for filtering said direct current output of said second converter means; breaker point means coupled to said second converter means for periodic'ally interrupting said direct current output of said bridge means of said second converter means; an inductance means for storing magnetic energy coupled to said second converter means, said magnetic energy of said inductance means collapsing when said direct current output of said second converter is interrupted; and a spark gap means coupled to said inductance means, said collapsing magnetic energy producing a spark across said spark gap means for producing improved firing of fuel within said internal combustion engine.

5. An ignition system for an internal combustion engine comprising: a source of direct current; a first converter means including a transistor switch means, said converter means coupled to said direct current source, said converter means for converting said direct current to an alternating current; a coupling means for coupling said converter means to a second converter means, said second converter means for converting said alternating current to a direct current, said converter means including a bridge means having silicon controlled rectifier means in two legs thereof and diodes in the other two legs thereof; an alternating current filter means coupled to said second converter for filtering said direct current output of said second converter means; rotary capacitor means coupled to said silicon controlled rectifier means of second converter means for periodically biasing said silicon controlled rectifiers to non-conduction thereby periodically interrupting said direct current output of said second converter means; an inductance means for storing magnetic energy coupled to said second,

converter means, said magnetic energy of said inductance means collapsing when said direct current output of said second converter is interrupted; and a spark gap means coupled to said inductance means, said collapsing mag- V netic energy producing a spark across said spark gap means for producing improved firing of fuel within said internal combustion engine.

6. An ignition system for an internal combustion engine comprising: a source of current; means for storing energy, said means including a plurality of primary windings coupled to said source; means coupled to a first winding of said plurality of primary windings, said means for interrupting said current flow from said source through said first primary winding causing a first collapse of said energy of said storage means, means coupled between said second primary winding and said source, said means charged by said source when said first collapse of said energy occurs, said charging of said means causing a second storage of energy in said storage means, said means upon reaching a predetermined charge preventing further flow of current through said second primary winding thereby causing a second collapse of said energy of said storage means; and means coupled to said storage means, said first col-lapse of said energy producing a first spark across said means, said second collapse of said energy producing a second spark across said means, said spark for producing improved firing of fuel within said internal combustion engine.

7. An ignition system for an internal combustion engine comprising: a source of current; means for storing energy, said means including a plurality of primary windings coupled to said source; means coupled between a first winding of said plurality of primary windings and ground of said, source, said means for interrupting said current flow from said source through said first primary wind- ,ing causing a first collapse of said energy of said means;

means coupled between said second primary winding and said ground of said source, said means charged by said source when said first collapse of said energy occurs, said charging of said means causing a second storage of energy in said storage means, said means upon reaching a predetermined charge preventing further flow of current through said second primary winding thereby causing a second collapse of said energy of said storage means; and means coupled to said storage means, said first collapse of said energy producing a first spark across said means, said second collapse of said energy producing a second spark across said spark gap means of opposite polarity of said first spark, said sparks for producing improved firing of fuel within said internal combustion engine.

8. An ignition system for an internal combustion engine comprising: a source of direct current; an inductance means for storing magnetic energy, said inductance means including a plurality of primary windings, said primary windings coupled to said source; means coupled between a first winding of said plurality of primary windings and ground of said source, said means for interrupting said current flow from said source through said first primary winding causing a first collapse of said magnetic energy of said inductance means; means coupled between said second primary Winding and said ground of said source, said means charged by said source when said first collapse of said magnetic energy occurs, said charging of said means causing a second storage of magnetic energy in said inductance means, said means upon reaching a predetermined charge preventing further flow of current through said second primary winding thereby causing a second collapse of said magnetic energy of said inductance means; and a spark gap means coupled to said inductance means, said first collapse of said magnetic energy producing a first spark across said spark gap means, said second collapse of said magnetic energy producing a second'spark across said spark gap means of opposite polarity of said first spark, said spark for producing improved firing of fuel within said internal combustion engine.

9. An ignition system for an internal combustion engine comprising: a source of direct current; an inductance means for storing magnetic energy, said inductance means including a plurality of primary windings, said primary windings coupled to said source; an interrupter means coupled between a first winding of said plurality of primary windings and ground of said source, said interrupter means for interrupting said current flow from said source through said first primary winding causing a first collapse of said magnetic energy of said inductance means; a capacitor means coupled between said second primary Winding and said ground of said source, said capacitor means charged by said source when said first collapse of said magnetic energy occurs, said charging of said capacitor causing a second storage of magnetic energy in said inductance means, said capacitor upon reaching a predetermined charge preventing further flow of current through said second primary winding thereby causing a second collapse of said magnetic energy of said inductance means; and a spark gap means coupled to said inductance means, said first collapse of said magnetic energy producing a first spark across said spark gap means, said second collapse of said magnetic energy producing a second spark across said spark gap means of opposite polarity of said first spark, said spark for producing improved firing of fuel within said internal combustion engine.

10. An ignition system for an internal combustion engine comprising: a source of current; means for storing magnetic energy, said means including a plurality of primary windings coupled to said source; an interrupter means coupled to a first winding of said plurality of primary windings, said interrupter means for interrupting said current fiow from said source through said first primary winding causing a first collapse of said magnetic energy of said storage means, said interrupter means including a controlled rectifier means coupled to said first primary winding, a transistor coupled between said controlled rectifier and a breaker point switch means, means for closing said switch means biasing said transistor to conduction, current from said source biasing said controlled rectifier means to conduction thereby allowing current to flow from said source through said first winding, means for opening said switch means thereby biasing said controlled rectifier means to nonconduction so as to prevent current flow from said source through said first winding; means coupled between said second primary, said means charged by said source when said first collapse of said magnetic energy occurs, said charging of said capacitor causing a second storage of magnetic energy in said storage means, said means upon reaching a predetermined charge preventing further flow of current through said second primary winding thereby causing a second collapse of said magnetic energy of said storage means; and a spark gap means coupled to said storage means, said first collapse of said magnetic energy producing a first spark across said spark gap means, said second collapse of said magnetic energy producing a second spark across said spark gap means, said spark for producing improved firing of fuel within said internal combustion engine.

11. An ignition system for an internal combustion engine comprising: a source of direct current; an inductance means for storing magnetic energy, said inductance means including a plurality of primary windings coupled to said source; an interrupter means coupled to a first winding of said plurality of primary windings, said interrupter means for interrupting said current flow from said source through said first primary winding causing a first collapse of said magnetic energy of said inductance means, said interrupter means including a controlled rectifier means coupled to said first primary winding, a transistor coupled between said controlled rectifier and a breaker point switch means, means for closing said switch means biasing said transistor to conduction, current from said source biasing said controlled rectifier means to conduction thereby allowing current to fiow from said source through said first winding, means for opening said switch means thereby biasing said controlled rectifier means to nonconduction so as to prevent current flow from said source through said first winding; a capacitor means coupled between said second primary, said capacitor means charged by said source when said first collapse of said magnetic energy occurs, said charging of said capacitor causing a second storage of magnetic energy in said inductance means, said capacitor upon reaching a predetermined charge preventing further flow of current through said second primary winding thereby causing a second collapse of said magnetic energy of said inductance means; and a spark gap means coupled to said inductance means, said first collapse of said magnetic energy producing a first spark across said spark gap means, said second collapse of said magnetic energy producing a second spark across said spark gap means, said spark for producing improved firing of fuel within said internal combustion engine.

12. An ignition system for an internal combustion engine comprising: a source of direct current; an inductance means for storing magnetic energy, said inductance means including a plurality of primary windings, said primary windings coupled to said source; an interrupter means coupled between a first winding of said plurality of primary win-dings and ground of said source, said interrupter means for interrupting said current flow from said source through said first primary winding causing a first collapse of said magnetic energy of said inductance means, said interrupter means including a controlled rectifier means coupled to said first primary winding, a transistor coupled between said controlled rectifier and a breaker point switch means, means for closing said switch means biasing said transistor to conduction, current from said source biasing said controlled rectifier means to conduction thereby allowing current to flow from said source through said first winding to said ground, means for opening said switch means thereby biasing said controlled rectifier means to nonconduction so as to prevent current fiow from said source through said first winding; a capacitor means coupled between said second primary and said ground of said source, said capacitor means charged by said source when said first collapse of said magnetic energy occurs, said charging of said capacitor causing a second storage of magnetic energy in said inductance means, said capacitor upon reaching a predetermined charge preventing further flow of current through said second primary winding thereby causing a second collapse of said magnetic energy of said inductance means; and a spark gap means coupled to said inductance means, said first collapse of said magnetic energy producing a first spark across said spark gap means, said second collapse of said magnetic energy producing a second spark across said spark gap means of opposite polarity of said first spark, said spark for producing improved firing of fuel within said internal combustion engine.

13. An ignition system for an internal combustion engine comprising: a source of current; a plurality of silicon controlled rectifier means coupled to said direct current source; means including a primary winding coupled to said current source and a plurality of secondary windings, one of said controlled rectifier means coupled to a first secondary winding of said plurality of secondary windings and a second of said controlled rectifier means coupled to a second secondary winding of said plurality of secondary windings, current flow through said first secondary winding biasing said controlled rectifier means coupled thereto to conduction; means coupled across said controlled rectifier means for storing energy as said current flows through said one controlled rectifier means, means coupled between said storage means and said source, said current flow through said storage means charging said means; means coupled to said storage means for periodically interrupting said current flow therethrough, interruption of said current through said storage means biasing said second controlled rectifier to conduction, said means discharging through said second controlled rectifier means to bias said first controlled rectifier means to nonconductionthereby preventing current flow to said storage means, said energy of said storage means collapsing when said current flow thereto is inter- 19 t rupted; and means coupled to said storage means, said collapsing energy producing a spark across said means for producing improved firing of fuel within said internal combustion engine.

14. An ignition system for an internal combustion engine comprising: a source of direct current; a plurality of silicon controlled rectifier means coupled to. said direct current source; a pulse transformer means including a primary winding coupled to said direct current source and a plurality of secondary windings, one of said controlled rectifier means coupled to a first secondary winding of said plurality of secondary windings and a second of said controlled rectifier means coupled to a second secondary winding of said plurality of secondary windings, current flow through said first secondary winding biasing said controlled rectifier means coupled thereto to conduction; means coupled across said controlled rectifier means for storing magnetic energy as said direct current flows through said one controlled rectifier means;,means coupled between said storage means and said source, said current flow through said storage means charging said means; means coupled to said storage means for periodically inerrupting said current flow therethrough, interruption of said current through said storage means biasing said second controlled rectifier to conduction, said means discharging through said second controlled rectifier means to bias said first controlled rectifier means to nonconduction thereby preventing current flow to said storage means, said magnetic energy of said storagemeans collapsing when said current flow thereto is interrupted; and a spark gap means coupled to said coil means, said collapsing magnetic energy producing a spark across said spark gap means for producing improved firing of fuel within said internal combustion engine.

15. An ignition system for an internal combustion engine comprising: a source of direct current; a plurality of silicon controlled rectifier means coupled to said direct current source; a pulse transformer means including a primary windin g coupled to said direct current source and a plurality of secondary windings, one of said controlled rectifier means coupled to afirst secondary winding of said plurality of secondary windings and a second of said controlled rectifier means coupled to a second secondary winding of said plurality of secondary windings, current flow through said first secondary winding biasing said controlled rectifier means coupled thereto to conduction; an ignition coil means coupled across said controlled rectifier means for storing magnetic energy as said direct current flows through said one controlled rectifier means; a capacitor means coupled between said ignition coil means and said source, said current flow through said coil means charging said capacitor means; an interrupter means coupled to said pulse transformer for periodically interrupting said current flow therethrough, interruption of said current through said pulse transformer biasing said second controlled rectifier to conduction, said capacitor discharging through said second controlled rectifier means to bias said first controlled rectifier means to nonconduction thereby preventing current flow to saidignition coil means,

said magnetic energy of said coil means collapsing when said current flow thereto is interrupted; and a spark gap means coupled to said coil means, said collapsing magnetic energy producing a spark across said spark gap means for producing improved firing of fuel within said internal combustion engine.

16. An ignition system for an internal combusion engine comprising: a source of direct current; a plurality of silicon controlled rectifier means including agate, a cathode and an anode, said controlled rectifier means coupled to said direct current source; a pulse transformer means including a primary winding coupled to said direct current source and a plurality of secondary windings, said gate of one of said controlled rectifier means coupled to a first secondary winding of said plurality of secondary windings and said gate of a second of said controlled rectifier means coupled to a second secondary winding of said plurality of secondary windings, current flow through said first secondary winding biasing said controlled rectifier means coupled thereto to conduction; an ignition coil means coupled across said controlled rectifier means for storing magnetic energy as said direct current flows through said one controlled rectifier means; a capacitor means coupled between said ignition coil means and said source, said current flow through said coil means charging said capacitor means; an interrupter'means coupled to said pulse transformer for periodically interrupting said current fiow therethrough, interruption of said current through said pulse transformer biasing said second controlled rectifier to conduction, said capacitor discharging through said second controlled rectifier means to bias said first controlled rectifier means to nonconduction thereby preventing current fiow to said ignition coil means, said magnetic energy of said coil means collapsing when said current flow thereto is interrupted; and a spark gap means coupled to said coil means, said collapsing magnetic energy producing a spark across said spark gap means for producing improved firing of fuel within said internal combustion engine.

17. An ignition system for an internal combustion engine comprising: a source of direct current; an inductance means for storing magnetic energy, said inductance means including a plurality of primary windings, said primary windings coupled to said source; an interrupter means coupled between a first winding of said plurality of primary windings and ground of said source, said interrupter means for interrupting said current flow from said source through said first primary winding causing a first collapse of said magnetic energy of said inductance means, said interrupter means including a controlled rectifier means coupled to said first primary winding, a transistor coupled between said con-trolled rec-tifier and a rotary capacitor switch means, means for rotating said rotary capacitor switch means biasing said transistor to conduction current from said source biasing said controlled rectifier means to conduction thereby allowing current to flow from said source through said first winding to said ground, addition rotary displacement opening said rotary capacitor switch means thereby biasing said controlled rectifier means to nonconduction so as to prevent current fiow from said source through said first winding; a capacitor means coupled between said second primary and said ground of said source, said capacitor means charged by said source when said first collapse of said magnetic energy occurs, said charging of said capacitor causing a second storage of magnetic energy in said inductance means, said capacitor upon reaching a predetermined charge preventing further flow of current through said second primary winding thereby causing a second collapse of said magnetic energy of said inductance means; and a spark gap means coupled to said inductance means, said first collapse of said magnetic energy producing a first spark across said spark gap means, said second collapse of said magnetic energy producing a second spark across said spark gap means of opposite polarity of said first spark, said sparks for producing improved firing of fuel within said internal combustion engine.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 8/1962 Quinn 31s 209 X 6/1967 Segall et al. 3 15 244 X 

1. AN IGNITION SYSTEM FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE COMPRISING: A SOURCE OF DIRECT CURRENT; A FIRST CONVERTER MEANS COUPLED TO SAID DIRECT CURRENT SOURCE, SAID CONVERTER MEANS FOR CONVERTING SAID DIRECT CURRENT TO AN ALTERNATING CURRENT; A COUPLING MEANS FOR COUPLING SAID CONVERTER MEANS TO A SECOND CONVERTER MEANS, SAID SECOND CONVERTER MEANS FOR CONVERTING SAID ALTERNATING CURRENT TO A DIRECT CURRENT; AN ALTERNATING CURRENT FILTER MEANS COUPLED TO SAID SECOND CONVERTER FOR FILTERING SAID DIRECT CURRENT OUTPUT OF SAID SECOND CONVERTER MEANS; MEANS COUPLED TO SAID SECOND CONVERTER MEANS FOR PERIODICALLY INTERRUPTING SAID DIRECT CURRENT OUTPUT OF SAID SECOND CONVERTER MEANS; AN INDUCTANCE MEANS FOR STORING MAGNETIC ENERGY COUPLED TO SAID SECOND CONVERTER MEANS, SAID MAGNETIC ENERGY OF SAID INDUCTANCE MEANS COLLAPSING WHEN SAID DIRECT CURRENT OUTPUT OF SAID SECOND CONVERTER IS INTERRUPTED; AND A SPARK GAP MEANS COUPLED TO SAID INDUCTANCE MEANS, SAID COLLAPSING MAGNETIC ENERGY PRODUCING A SPARK ACROSS SAID SPARK GAP MEANS FOR PRODUCING IMPROVED FIRING OF FUEL WITHIN SAID INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE. 